Thief ordered to pay €1k for biting store detective

Eimear Cotter

THIS is the shoplifter who repeatedly punched a store detective and bit him on the shoulder as he tried to stop her leaving a shop.

Janina Griskevica (54) claimed she over-reacted and panicked when David Ellison grabbed her arm from behind.

Swords District Court heard Griskevica also pulled out a pen-knife from her trouser pocket as she was arrested and handcuffed by gardai.

Judge Alan Mitchell ordered the mum-of-three to pay €1,000 compensation to the victim and imposed a two-month sentence suspended for six months.

Griskevica, of The Rise, Melrose Park in Kinsealy, admitted theft, assault and possession of a knife at Woodies DIY, Seatown Road, Swords, on August 25.

Garda Noel Callan said she was seen putting household items worth €50 into her handbag and into a plastic bag and left the shop without paying. He said the store detective Mr Ellison approached her outside but when he tried to take the stolen items she punched him, bit him on the left shoulder and attempted to flee the scene.

PAIN

AFTER SHE WAS CHARGED, GRISKEVICA TOLD GARDAI: "I HAD NO INTENTION OF STEALING. I JUST LOST MY WALLET." SHE ADDED: "HE GRABBED MY ARM, I FELT PAIN AND I HAVE NO RECOLLECTION OF WHAT HAPPENED NEXT."

Mr Ellison said while he has fully recovered he still carries the mental scars.

Griskevica was going to pay until she realised she did not have her wallet.

hnews@herald.ie

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